SES has announced a key milestone in its collaboration with Boeing, moving closer to enabling line-fit offerability of its multi-orbit connectivity solution on commercial aircraft. The development paves the way for airlines to take delivery of new aircraft with onboard connectivity systems already installed and ready for activation.
As part of this collaboration, Boeing will integrate SES’s in-cabin network hardware during aircraft production, marking an important step toward embedding connectivity directly into the manufacturing process. This approach simplifies installation timelines and allows airlines to deploy inflight connectivity services immediately upon delivery. Boeing will also coordinate the installation of external equipment required for the system, ensuring a streamlined and integrated solution.
Initial availability of the system is planned for the Boeing 737 platform, with subsequent deployment on the 787. The milestone represents progress toward making SES’s multi-orbit system a standard line-fit option across Boeing’s commercial aircraft portfolio, supporting growing demand for reliable, high-performance connectivity in aviation.
Mike DeMarco, President of Mobility at SES, stated that the partnership reflects strong momentum toward delivering a fully integrated connectivity solution during aircraft production. He added that the development provides airlines with a more efficient pathway to equip fleets with advanced communication capabilities from the outset.
Destry Lucas, Director of Airplane Connectivity at Boeing, noted that the collaboration supports Boeing’s focus on enhancing onboard connectivity solutions. He emphasized that integrating multi-orbit connectivity into production processes enables greater efficiency and scalability while meeting evolving airline requirements.
SES’s system is designed to operate across both low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite networks, enabling global coverage with improved reliability and reduced latency. The company has already completed approximately 500 installations of its electronically steered array antenna system, with a strong pipeline of future commitments, reflecting increasing industry adoption.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, SES delivers satellite-enabled connectivity solutions to governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. With a combined legacy strengthened by its acquisition of Intelsat, the company continues to expand its capabilities across multi-orbit satellite infrastructure and terrestrial networks, supporting seamless, high-quality connectivity across air, land, and sea.
